Receptacle closure cap

ABSTRACT

A receptacle for collecting fluid samples including, a vial having a fluid retention cavity opening through the top of the vial. The receptacle has a closure member which is removably secured to and covers the top of the vial. The closure member has a passageway communicating between the vial cavity and the outside of the closure member when the closure member is secured to the vial. The receptacle also has a cap which is removably secured to the closure member and which covers the outer end of the passageway relative to the vial cavity. The closure member is secured to the vial and the cap is removed from the closure member to take fluid samples through the passageway, and the cap is secured to the closure member to cover the passageway for retaining collected samples in the vial. The secured cap and closure member are removed from the vial to provide access to the collected samples.

United States'Pat ent Dye [111 1 3,811,592 [451 M'ay.21, 1974 [5 RECEPTACLE CLOSURE CAP [75] Inventor: John 1 Dye, Barrington, [IL

[73] Assignee: The Kendall Company, Boston,

Mass.

[22] Filed: 7 Dec. 22, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 210,921

[52.] 11.8. CI .l 215/73, 2l5/76, 215/79,

222/484, 222/543 [51] Int. Cl B65d 47/12, B65d 47/32 [58] Field of Search l41/7,57, 59, 350;

[56 References Cited 1/1964 Stull.-. 222/484 x Primary Examine r Housto n s, Bell, Jr. Assistant Examiner-Frederick R. Schmidt Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Powell L. Sprunger [57 ABSTRACT A receptacle for collecting fluid samples including, a vial having a fluid retention cavity opening through the top of the vial. The receptacle has a closure member which is removably secured to and covers the top of the vial. The closure member has a passageway communicating between the vial cavity and the outside of the closure member when the closuremember is secured to the vial; The receptacle also has a cap which is removably secured to the closure member and which covers theouter end of the passageway relative to the vial cavity. The closure member is secured to the vial and the cap is removed from the closure member to take fluid samples through the passageway, and the cap is secured to the closure member to cover the passageway'for retaining collected samples in the vial. The secured cap and closure member are removed from the vial to provide access to the collected samples.

6 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures dling.

1 RECEPTACLE CLOSURE CAP CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION Application Ser. No. 2l0,888, filed Dec. 22, I971, entitled Fluid Sampling and Measuring Apparatus",

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary elevational view, taken partly in section, showing a manometer and the receptacle secured to the valve of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view, on an en- 5 larged scale, of a closure member and cap of the recepinvented by John F. Dye, William .I. Binard, and Bhupendra C. Patel, and assigned to the assignee. of the present application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to receptacles, and more particularly to receptacles for collecting fluid samples.

Frequently, when analyzing the condition of a pal5 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 'A principle feature of the present invention is the provision of a receptacle for collecting fluid samples which permits storage andtransfer of the sample and provides ready access to the collected sample.

The receptacle of the present invention includes a vial having a closed bottom and a fluid retention cavity which opens through the top of the via]. The receptacle has a closure member which is removably secured to and which covers the top of the vial, and the closure member has a passageway .communicating between the vial cavity and the Outside of the closurernember when the closure member is secured to the vial. The receptacle also has a cap which is removably secured to the closure member and which covers the outer end of the passageway relative to the vial cavity.

A feature of the present inventionis that the closure member is secured to the vial and the cap is removed from the closure member to take fluid samples through the passageway.

Another feature of the invention is'that the cap is secured to the closure member to cover the passageway in order to retain collected samples in the vial for han- A further feature of the invention is that the interengaged cap and closure member are both removed from the vial to-provide access to the collected samples.

Still another feature ofthe invention is the provision of means for venting the cavity during collection of fluid. 7

Further features will become more fully apparent in the following description-of the embodiments of this invention and from the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS ceptacle of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a valve for the fluid measuring apparatus of FIG. 1;

LII

tacle; and

FIG. 5 is a'fr'agmentary perspective view of the closure member and cap of FIG. 4 as removed from a vial of the receptacle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In the above-identified application entitled Fluid Sampling and Measuring Apparatus, of which I am a joint inventor, a device for measuring the pressure of body fluids and sampling the fluids is disclosed. Since the fluid collection receptacle is particularly adapted for and useful with the above apparatus, it is described below in order to present an environment in which the receptacle may be used.

Referringnow to FIG. 1, the fluid sampling and pressure measuring device designated generally is shown including, a hollow needle designated generally 22, a

manometer designated generally 24, a connecting valve designated generally 28, and the fluid collection receptacle designated generally 26 of the present invention. Although the device 20 is useful generally in obtaining 1 samples and measuring the pressure of body fluids. it is LII particularly adapted in carrying out this function for a tap in the spinal column, and accordingly will be described further in this connection.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the valve 28 includes a housing designated generally 30 having an elongated chamber 32, which preferably has a cylindrical shape, a pair of ports 34a and 34b at the ends of the chamber 32, and a pair of aligned nipples 36a and 36b extending from oppositev ends of the housing 30. Each of the nipples 36a and b has a passageway 38a and 38b, respectively, which communicates between the chamber 32 and the outside of the housing 30. The housing 30 has a pair of seats 40a and 40b adjacent the ports 34a and b, respectively, which comprises a pair of annular shoulders 42a and 42b in the chamber 32 extending peripherally around the associated port 34a and b, respectively. The housing 30 also has a stem 44 extending outwardly from the housing intermediate the ports 34a and b, and the stem 44 has a channel 46 extending through the stem and communicating between the chamber 32 and the outside of the housing 30.

The valve 28 has double-ended plug means designated generally 48 which is received in the chamber 32 and longitudinally biased against the seats 40a and b in sealing engagement to prevent escape of fluid from the chamber through the ports 34a and b. The plug means 48 includes a pair of plug elements" 50a and 50b, slidably received in the chamber 32, and a helical spring 52 which urges the plug elements 50a and b against the seats 40a and bat opposite ends of the chamber. Each of the plug elements 50a and b has a ring 54a and 54b, respectively. integral with its outer end which serves as a sealing surface and engages the shoulder of the associated seats 40aand b, respectively. Each of the plug elements 50a and b has a finger 56a and 5612. respectively, at the end of the plug means 48 which extends into the passageway of the associated nipple 36a and'b, respectively, and each of the fingers 56a and b has a transverse slot 58a and 58!; at its end for a purpose which will be described below.

When force is applied through the nipple passageways to either of the plug elements 50a or b, the corresponding end of the plug means 48 retracts in the chamber away from the associated valve seat. Each of the plug elements 50a and b are slightly spaced from the wall 60 of the housing 30 which defines the chamber 32. Accordingly, when a plug element 50a or b retracts from the corresponding valve seat 40a or b, fluid communication is established between the corresponding passageway 38a or b and the chamber 32 around the sides of the corresponding plug element 50a or b, and since the stem channel 46 is in communication with the chamber 32, fluid communication is also established between the passageway and the channel 46. It is readily apparent that either of the plug elements 50a or b may be individually retracted into the chamber to establish fluid communication between the chamber and only one passageway, or both of the plug elements 50a and b may be simultaneously retracted into the chamber to establish fluid communication between the chamber and both of the passageways 38a and b. Further, the slots 58a and bin the corresponding fingers 56a and b permit fluid communication between the associated passageways 38a and b and the chamber 32 responsive to only a relatively slight retraction of the given plug element in the chamber.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the manometer 24 has a lower base portion 62, a hollow gauge portion 64 extending from the base portion 62 to define a conventional open-ended manometer. However, it is understood that any suitable type of manometer may be utilized in the apparatus, such as a closed-ended manometer. As shown in FIG. 3, the base portion 62 has a hollow depending stem 68 which is receivable in either of the nipple passageways 38a or b, and when the stem 68 is inserted into the passageway, the end of the stem'engages the outer end of the associated plug element finger to retract the plug element in the chamber. Each of the nipples 36a and I; has a thread 7011 and 7012, respectively. on its outer surface, and the manometer base portion 62 has a depending annular flange 72 with a corresponding thread 74 to interengage with the nipple threads 70a and h. Thus. as the manometer is screwed onto either of the nipples 36a or b, the manometer stem 68 engages the finger of the associated plug element, and retracts the plug element in the chamber to establish fluid communication between the chamber and the manometer. In the configuration as shown in FIG. 3, the manometer is screwed onto one of the nipples, and the plug element is retracted in the chamber.

Turning now to the fluid collection receptacle 26 of the present invention. as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the receptacle includes a vial 76 having a closed bottom and a fluid retention cavity 84 which opens through the top of the vial.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the receptacle also includes a closure member 78 having interengaged first outer and second inner portions 79 and 81, respectively. The first closure member portion 79 includes a depending annular rim 86 having a plurality of alternating annular flanges and grooves 880 and 8817, respectively. on its inner surface which interengage with a corresponding set of alternating flanges and grooves 89a and 8911, respectively, at the top of the vial 76 to removably secure the closure member 78 to the vial and cover the vial cavity 84.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second portion 81 ofthe clo' sure member 78 has a hollow stem 90 having a passageway 93 and a dome-shaped chamber 95 at the inner end of the passageway which communicate between the vial cavity 84 and the outside of the closure member when the closure member is secured to the vial. The second portion'8l also includes an annular recess 91 extending around the stem 90, such that the recess opens to the outside of the closure member, and a thread 92 is located on the surface of the recess which faces the stem 90. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first portion 79 has a channel 94 cut on its inner surface which extends through the closure member and communicates between the vial cavity 84 and the outside of the closure member when it is secured to the vial, in order to vent the cavity' during fluid collection.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, the receptacle also includes a cap which is removably secured to the closure member. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the cap 80 has an annular sidewall 96 which snugly engages the outside of the closure member. The cap 80 also includes a top portion 97 connected to the sidewall 96 having a bore 98 in its inner surface to receive the outer end of the stem 90, such that the top portion closed the outer end of the passageway 93 when the cap is secured to the closure member.

Finally, the receptacle has a strap 82 which connects the cap 80 and closure member 78 to retain the cap to the closure member.

When the cap 80 is off the closure member 78, the receptacle stem may be received in either ofthe nipple passageways 38a or b, and the receptacle 26 may be screwed onto the associated nipple 36a or b, as shown in FIG. 3, with the nipple received in the recess 91 and with the thread 92 of the closure member 78 interengaging with the corresponding nipple thread 70a or b. As the closure member is screwed onto the nipple, the stem 90 engages the finger of the corresponding plug element 500 or b to retract the plug element in the chamber in a manner similar to that described in connection with the manometer. Thus, as the receptacle 26 is screwed onto the valve 28, fluid communication is established between the chamber 32 and the vial cavity 84 through the hollow stem 90.

In operation of the apparatus 20, the pointed end of the needle, along with a stylet (not shown), is inserted into the spinal column of the patient. After removal of the stylet from the needle, the valve 28 is removably secured to the needle by inserting the outer end of the housing stem 44 into the proximal end of-the hollow needle, and fluid then flows from the spinal column through the needle and stem channel 46 into the chamber 32. The spinal fluid is confined in the chamber since both of the plug elements 50a and b are biased against the associated valve seats 40a and b. Preferably. during use of the apparatus 20, the nipple passageways 38a and b are generally aligned with the vertical due to the desirability of utilizing the manometer 24 and receptacle 26 in a vertical orientation. although, as previously noted, it is of no consequence as to which of the nipples is pointing up or down, since the manometer and receptacle can be secured to either end of the valve.

Next, either a pressure reading may be taken with the manometer or a sample may be obtained in the recepof the spinal column. Since the receptacle 26 is not yet attached to the valve 28, the lower end of the plug means 48 remains sealed while the pressure reading is being taken. After the fluid pressure is determined, the manometer may then be removed from the housing 30, which automatically closes the upper end of the valve, or the receptacle 26- may be secured to the lower end of the valve for a sample while the manometer is still in place on the valve. However, the reverse procedure of obtaining fluid pressure whilethe receptacle is in place on the valve is undesired, since fluid would flow into the receptacle and detract from the pressure measurement being taken in the manometer. Accordingly, when -a determination of fluid pressure is desired, the manometer alone should be secured to the valve.

In order to obtain a'fluid sample, the opened closure member is secured to the lower housing nipple. As discussed above, the closure member stem 90 automatically opens the valve 28 and establishes fluid communication between the housing chamber 32 and the receptacle cavity 84, and the cavity 84 is vented through the channel 94 to permit continuous passage of fluid into the receptacle while the receptacle 26 is-secured in place on the valve. In the configuration as shown in FIG. 3, both the manometer and receptacle are secured to the valve, and a fluid sample would be obtained even though the manometer is also positioned on the valve.

the top of the vial, as shown in FIG. 5, to provide access to the sample through the top of the vial, since it would be difficult to remove the sample through the stem 90 of the closure member without removing the closure member fr om the vial.

An alternate structure of the vent forthe receptacle is illustratedin FIG..5. In this embodiment, the vent is defined by a channel 100 in the sidewall of the via] 76 which extends between an opening l02 communicating with thecavity 84 at the bottom of the vial and an opening 104 communicating with the outside of the vial near the top of the vial, such that the channel 100 communicates between the cavity and the outside of the vial. With such a configuration for the vent, if the receptacle is attached to the upper part of the housing for obtaining asample in an upside down orientation, the

The foregoing detailed description is given for clear- I ness' of understanding only,-and no unnecessary limitations should beunderstood therefrom. as modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:

l. A receptacle for collecting fluid samples, comprising in combination:

a fixture having a passageway extending through the fixture; I

a vial having a closed bottom and a fluid retention cavity opening through thetop of the vial;

a closure member removably secured to and covering the top of the vial, said closure member having a hollow stem extending outwardly from the closure member relative the vial cavity, said stem having a passageway communicating between the vial cavity and the outside of the closure member when the closure member is secured to the vial;

' a cap removably secured to the closure member and covering the outer end of the'stem passageway relative to the vial cavity; and

means for removably securing said closure member to the fixture with the cap removed from the closure member and with the closure member stem received in the passageway of the fixture for obtaining a fluid sample in the vial cavity from the fixture, said cap being secured to the closure member after removal of the member from the fixture to cover the stem passageway and retain the collected sample in the vial, and the secured cap and closure member being removed from the vial to provide access to the collected sample.

2. The receptacle of claim 1 including a strap connecting the cap and closure member.

3. The receptacle of claim 1 including means for venting said cavity during fluid collection.

4. The receptacle of claim 3 wherein said venting means comprises a channel extending through said closure member and communicating between the vial cavity and the outside of the closure member when the closure member is securedto the vial.

5. The receptacle of claim 4 wherein said cap covers the outer end of saidchannel when it is secured to the closure member.

6. A receptacle for collecting fluid samples, comprising? a vial having a closed bottom and a fluid retention cavity opening through the top of the vial;

a closure member removably secured to and covering the top of the vial, said closure member having a passageway communicating between the vial cavity and the outside of the closure member when the closure member is secured to the vial;

a cap removably secured to the closure member and covering the outer end of the passageway relative to the vial cavity, with said closure member being secured to the vial and the cap off the closure member to take fluid samples through the passageway, with said cap being secured to the closure member to cover the passageway and retain collected samples in the vial, and with the secured cap and closure member being removed from the vial to provide access to the collected samples; and

means for venting said cavity during fluid collection comprising, a channel in the sidewall of said vial, said channel extending between an opening communicating with the cavity at the bottom of the vial and an opening communicating with the outside of the vial adjacent the top of the vial. 

1. A receptacle for collecting fluid samples, comprising in combination: a fixture having a passageway extending through the fixture; a vial having a closed bottom and a fluid retention cavity opening through the top of the vial; a closure member removably secured to and covering the top of the vial, said closure member having a hollow stem extending outwardly from the closure member relative the vial cavity, said stem having a passageway communicating between the vial cavity and the outside of the closure member when the closure member is secured to the vial; a cap removably secured to the closure member and covering the outer end of the stem passageway relative to the vial cavity; and means for removably securing said closure member to the fixture with the cap removed from the closure member and with the closure member stem received in the passageway of the fixture for obtaining a fluid sample in the vial cavity from the fixture, said cap being secured to the closure member after removal of the member from the fixture to cover the stem passageway and retain the collected sample in the vial, and the secured cap and closure member being removed from the vial to provide access to the collected sample.
 2. The receptacle of claim 1 including a strap connecting the cap and closure member.
 3. The receptacle of claim 1 incLuding means for venting said cavity during fluid collection.
 4. The receptacle of claim 3 wherein said venting means comprises a channel extending through said closure member and communicating between the vial cavity and the outside of the closure member when the closure member is secured to the vial.
 5. The receptacle of claim 4 wherein said cap covers the outer end of said channel when it is secured to the closure member.
 6. A receptacle for collecting fluid samples, comprising: a vial having a closed bottom and a fluid retention cavity opening through the top of the vial; a closure member removably secured to and covering the top of the vial, said closure member having a passageway communicating between the vial cavity and the outside of the closure member when the closure member is secured to the vial; a cap removably secured to the closure member and covering the outer end of the passageway relative to the vial cavity, with said closure member being secured to the vial and the cap off the closure member to take fluid samples through the passageway, with said cap being secured to the closure member to cover the passageway and retain collected samples in the vial, and with the secured cap and closure member being removed from the vial to provide access to the collected samples; and means for venting said cavity during fluid collection comprising, a channel in the sidewall of said vial, said channel extending between an opening communicating with the cavity at the bottom of the vial and an opening communicating with the outside of the vial adjacent the top of the vial. 